Prunus gracilis grows up to 1.8 metres (6 feet) tall, has five-petaled leaves, and fruits ripen June–August.

[2] The specific epithet Gracilis refers to 'slender branches'.

[6] It is natively found in various states of the United States, including Alabama, southwestern Arkansas, southeastern Colorado, Kansas, northwestern Louisiana, eastern New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

[2][7][8][9] It is found growing in fence rows, open woodlands, woodlands edge, forest openings, hillsides, slopes, sandy roadsides, upland thickets and waste places.

[2] Its red fruits are considered poor for eating, but Native Americans dried them for consumption during winter.